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Second generation of iPhone. Model A1241 / 8 or 16 GB capacity / black or white plastic back. Repair is more straightforward than the first iPhone. requires screwdrivers, prying, and suction tools.

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Smashing tabs on iPhone 3G/3GS Vibrate Switch Flex Cable

Cannot figure out for the life of me how to smash the two tabs that stick out when you replace an iPhone 3G/3GS power/audio/vibrate/volume flex cable.

Apple sends these out smashed so it holds the switch in place better, there for making it work much better.

When I replace this flex cable there are the two tabs poking out, but they do nothing and it is all up to the weak adhesive to hold the switch, to the switch holder.

Please help.

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can you add a photo of the 2 tabs you mean? I'm not sure where abouts you mean

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Thanks for the comments.

The tabs in question are just to the two plastic pins that stick out the opposite side of the iPhone 3g & 3gs mute/vibrate switch. To confirm these are just a plastic compound that melts. Once you have it attached via adhesive to the mute switch holder simply solder the two plastic pins until flush with the metal mute switch holder.

This makes for a sturdy switch once installed and makes it actually work as it should.

Thanks.

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Soldering iron. Carefully just slightly melt black plastic rod while pushing it down flat. If no soldering iron, maybe heat in flame a flat screwdriver, and use this to flatten the rods properly.

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You probably mean the transparent tabs?

This is why:

The flex cable is built up around several components.

The flex cable itself has golden pads which need to be shorted in order to give the pushbutton signal trough.

On top of the golden pads there is a metal, spring-like, plate which shorts these golden pads.

These metal plates are not part of the flex but are held in place with transparent strips. In order to secure these metal plates even better the transparent strips are extended to the other side of the fastening piece.

Only problem is that very often when you replace the flex yourself these tabs do not adhere very well and that is why they sometimes become loose.

It is nothing to worry about. If everything is properly fixed everything should just work.

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Gabe will be eternally grateful.
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